Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is located in Viprulapalle village, under Rompicherla Mandal of Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh. According to local tradition and temple records, the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple at Viprulapalle was constructed around the 14th century, making it a site with many centuries of history. The shrine is believed to be very old and has attracted devotees for hundreds of years.
The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, the fierce yet compassionate lion-man incarnation of Lord Vishnu, worshipped together with Goddess Lakshmi (Sri Devi), the goddess of wealth and grace. Devotees believe that sincere worship at this temple removes fear, obstacles, and hardships, and brings courage, prosperity, and peace of mind.
The temple follows a traditional South Indian village style, with a garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum) housing the deity and a mandapa (assembly hall) for devotees. The temple may be modest in size but is spiritually vibrant. It is constructed in a way that allows daily poojas, rituals, and festival celebrations, reflecting community devotion and traditional architectural practices.
Long ago, in the village of Viprulapalle, there lived a devout and saintly devotee named Venkata Narasimha Bhattu. He was known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Narasimha, the fierce yet compassionate lion-man incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Day and night, he engaged in prayer, meditation, and ritual worship, seeking the Lord’s protection and blessings. His devotion was so pure and intense that it reached the ears of Lord Narasimha himself.
Pleased by the devotee’s faith and sincerity, Lord Narasimha is said to have manifested here as a swayambhu (self-manifested) deity. Unlike idols installed by human hands, a swayambhu is believed to have appeared naturally, signifying a place of extraordinary divine presence. The Lord’s appearance at Viprulapalle transformed the village into a sacred kshetra (holy site), where devotees could come to experience His protection and grace directly.
A sacred tree, where an Ashwatha (fig) and a Neem tree are joined, stands near the temple and is considered a symbol of divine presence. The legend highlights that prayers, offerings like jaggery syrup, and circumambulation (pradakshina) at the temple can remove obstacles and bring blessings. This story emphasizes the protective and benevolent nature of Lord Narasimha, making the temple a powerful place of devotion for all devotees.
The main festival celebrated here is Narasimha Jayanti, marking the appearance day of Lord Narasimha. Devotees gather for special abhishekams (holy baths), alankaras (decorations), and group prayers. Other important rituals include Kalyanotsavam (divine wedding ceremony) and regular nitya poojas, performed in the morning and evening. During these festivals, devotees from surrounding villages come to seek divine blessings, protection, and prosperity.
